The Principal Barometer

The Principal barometer is an ongoing follow-up study of principals, deputy principals, vice-principals, and school leaders of primary education or upper secondary education in Finland.

What is the purpose of the research?

The principal barometer is an extensive longitudinal study aimed at investigating the occupational well-being of Finnish principals. The research is carried out in co-operation between the University of Helsinki and Suomen Rehtorit ry (Association of Finnish school principals). The primary goal is to compare the well-being of Finnish principals with international data and other industries and professions.

The project is adjacent to the international Educator Health and Wellbeing study, led by Professor Philip Riley from Australia, and involves collaboration with Australian Catholic University’s Institute for Positive Psychology and Education.

We utilise a comprehensive questionnaire to examine the principals' work situation, well-being, resources, and management practices. Additionally, we collect physiological data, such as HRV (heart rate variability) using the Firstbeat device, which tracks rest time, working time, and exercise. Our focus areas include recovery, job crafting, servant leadership, engagement, and burnout.

Who are the target groups?

Principals, deputy principals, vice-principals, and school leaders of primary education or upper secondary education. 

Data collection

The data for the study has been gathered once a year by on-line questionnaires since 2019 onwards. The data was collected as follows:

  • Year 2019: 531 participants.
  • Year 2020: 644 participants.
  • Year 2021: 541 participants.
  • Year 2022: 698 participants.
  • Year 2023: 526 participants.
  • Year 2024: 782 participants (results 2024).

DOI (digital object identifier) for the principal barometer data

Funding

The project has been funded by the Strategic Research Council (2021-2024) and Research Council of Finland (2024-).

Publications

Principal investigators

Minna Huotilainen (PI)
Professor

University of Helsinki

minna.huotilainen@helsinki.fi
+358294129844

Lauri Hietajärvi (PI)

University Lecturer
University of Helsinki
lauri.hietajarvi@helsinki.fi
+358294129277

Co-principal investigators

Katja Upadyaya
University Researcher
University of Helsinki
katja.upadyaya@helsinki.fi
+35850573182

Kelly Ferber (co-PI)
postdoctoral researcher
University of Helsinki
kelly.ferber@helsinki.fi

Research group